Orchestra honors military with special performance

Lubbock Symphony Orchestra will present a salute to America’s military, with the “America at War” series at 7 p.m. (MST) Jan. 12 and 13 at the Civic Center Theatre in Lubbock.

The performance is part of LSO’s 60th anniversary celebration.

Guest conductor will be Jeffrey Pollock, Fort Worth, Texas, Symphony Orchestra associate conductor. Several musical pieces will be performed that focus on different eras and wars in which America has been involved, according to LSO marketing director Diana Brewer.

“Basically, it (the concert) is just dedicated to the military and their honor,” said Brewer.

“Lincoln Portrait” will focus on the struggles for democracy during the Civil War. Written by Aaron Copland, the piece will include narration by Jonathan Marks, interim dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Texas Tech University, according to an LSO press release.

Excerpts from Leonard Bernstein’s “On the Town” will also be performed. The musical work attempts to convey the camaraderie of World War II servicemen on leave.

Following Bernstein’s piece, “Commando March” by Samuel Barber will be played. Attempting to evoke the feeling of the determination and the pride felt for those who have fallen in the fight, the work served as a theme for the Vietnam War film “Platoon, the release reads.

Closing the concert will be a performance of Beethoven’s “Fifth Symphony.” The “Victory” rhythm will focus on the journey from darkness to light, the times of conflict and strife, and triumph over adversity, the press release said.

“It’s (the concert) actually very important because it honors our military and our veterans,” said Brewer.

Active-duty or retired military will be entitled to receive two free tickets to the concert. They should call the LSO office to reserve their tickets. During the night of the concert, those tickets may be picked up at the will-call booth, said Brewer.

“They (military personnel and veterans) have to wear their uniforms, medals or other insignia to show they are military,” said Brewer.

Ticket prices are $18 and $32 for adults. Special pricing is also available for students. Tickets may be purchased at the Lubbock Symphony Office, located at 1313 Broadway, Suite 2, in Lubbock; online at www.lubbocksymphony.org, or by calling (806) 762-1688.